Wellness Wednesday: Connecting with Nature
Connecting with nature is good for well-being. Across many studies, Dr. John Zelenski and his colleagues found that people who feel like they are part of nature and who notice natural elements in their day-to-day life report more happiness, satisfaction, and personal growth. One of the best ways to grow your connection is to spend more time in nature. Even nearby places—parks, rivers, and backyards—can provide a mood boost in minutes. People often underestimate the emotional benefits of familiar natural places, and you do not need to be an avid outdoorsperson to benefit. Did you know that a chickadee will eat from your hand in Ottawa’s green belt (e.g., Mud Lake or Mer Bleu) all through the winter? The psychological benefits of nature are summarized here:
https://internationaljournalofwellbeing.org/ijow/index.php/ijow/article/view/449
The Department of Psychology is pleased to collaborate with Healthy Workplace to support mental health and well-being across the Carleton community. Check out HWP wellness resources at https://carleton.ca/healthy-workplace/mental-health/
